CBG vs CBD: Differences, Benefits & Uses Explained

What Is CBG? 

CBG, or cannabigerol, is a cannabinoid with non-psychoactive qualities—it can even neutralize part of the effects of THC. Research into CBG has discovered that the compound may offer the following health benefits:

• Lowering cholesterol
• Offering protective effects to the brain and nerves
• Treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

CBG is a main compound in young cannabis plants, but it quickly develops into either CBD or THC as the plant matures.

People interested in cannabinoid-based products can find capsules, gummies, and oils. These supplements contain easily absorbed CBG without THC.

What Is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a major cannabinoid, and it's one of the most well-known compounds in the hemp and cannabis markets. Like CBG (and unlike THC), it does not have psychoactive effects and will not make you high. But it does offer many potentially beneficial effects, such as alleviation of inflammation and anxiety, relaxing effects that may counter insomnia and pain, and even reduction of seizures. People have also found that CBD can help smokers reduce or eliminate smoking and handle withdrawal symptoms. Scientific bodies are continually researching the potential medical benefits of CBD in different contexts, and there are many supplements, oils, and CBD products on the market.

How Are They Different?

So, what's the difference between CBD and CBG? While CBD and CBG are both non-psychoactive cannabinoids, they behave very differently. Most strains of cannabis also have far more CBD than CBG because CBD is a major cannabinoid, while CBG is a minor cannabinoid. 

Both compounds offer significant medical benefits when properly used as therapeutic treatments. However, the diseases and conditions they target differ. CBD, for example, can assist with anxiety, addiction, seizures, and anxiety or mood disorders. CBG supplements, on the other hand, show promise in addressing multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders, as well as IBD and inflammatory conditions. 

Another difference between the two is that CBD has had more research than CBG—the scientific claims behind many of CBD's effects are generally more robust and supported. 

In the CBG vs. CBD debate, is CBG stronger than CBD? It depends on the intended application. For example, research has found that CBG offers stronger energizing capabilities. Users can consume CBG supplements for energy, focus, and productivity. CBD, however, offers stronger relaxation effects and can help improve sleep. But neither cannabinoid is inherently stronger than the other.

Benefits—How to Use CBG and CBD?

There are many different products that contain CBG and CBD, so you can harness their potentially powerful effects. Here are different ways to use CBD and CBG: 

• Oils and tinctures: You can take a few drops of cannabinoid-infused oils by placing them under your tongue for fast absorption and effects within half an hour. While they have a similar application method, they are different—oils suspend the cannabinoid in an oil carrier, while tinctures suspend the cannabinoid in alcohol.
• Capsules: Capsules contain CBG or CBD and have delayed effects. They also have little or no taste.
• Lotions: CBD oils can be applied topically to harness anti-inflammation and pain relief.
• Gummies: Gummies have doses of CBG or CBD and typically have intense fruit flavors that give the supplement a better taste.

Each of these products offers unique benefits based on the effects you want to experience.

Shop Now

At Flo Dispensary, we carry a wide range of cannabis products, including CBG and CBD products, for harnessing these potential benefits. Contact us today to learn more about the different benefits of our products, or shop online to conveniently place your order.

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